Things to do in Mitchell, South Dakota

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Whenever I head west through South Dakota along Interstate 90, I always stop to stretch my legs and admire the onion domes and minarets of the iconic Corn Palace in Mitchell. The city is a welcome oasis from the flat, wide-open plains along the highway. Located just over an hour from Sioux Falls, the city offers a mix of history and outdoor sports that give you a real feel for the region.

Corn Palace

Seemingly built right out of the pages of a storybook, the Corn Palace (cornpalace.com) in downtown Mitchell is covered in murals made from corn. Every year, the murals on the building’s walls are redesigned and replaced with 275,000 ears of corn grown by a local farmer. Twelve different types of corn as well as native grasses and straw are used to create the colorful murals. Built in 1892, the building was originally used to display the local settler’s crops. Today, it’s open year-round for free tours and a look at a collection of photos explaining the history of the building and the ever-changing murals.

History

To learn more about the history of the Corn Palace, walk down the street to the Carnegie Resource Center (mitchellcarnegie.com). The center contains a collection of memorabilia and exhibits about the unique structure. Another fun way to learn about Mitchell’s history requires a visit to the Dakota Discovery Museum (dakotadiscovery.com). The museum features exhibits about the Native Americans who lived in the area. You can also visit the museum’s one-room schoolhouse, and then take a tour of the ornate home of Louis Beckwith, one of the co-founders of the Corn Palace.

Typical Weather

Mitchell, South Dakota in

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The temperature in Mitchell, South Dakota in January tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Mitchell, South Dakota in January is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Mitchell, South Dakota in January is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Lake Mitchell

Both locals and tourists find Lake Mitchell makes a cooling respite during hot summer days. The lake features a swimming area along with canoe and paddleboat rentals. Crappie, bass and bluegill fishing draw the crowds on weekends. You may get lucky and catch one of the lake’s walleye in the spring or fall. Buy a South Dakota fishing license from sporting goods stores in Mitchell before you cast your line.

Golfing

The Lakeview Municipal Golf Course offers 18 holes for all levels of expertise. Deciduous trees that turn brilliant shades of color in the fall surround the course. Stop by the clubhouse after your game to enjoy a snack or a cold beverage. If you’re stopping for just a few hours to play a round, showers are available. Frisbee golf players find the disc golf course near the Dry Run Creek Bike Trail (visitmitchell.com) makes a fun place for a game. For more exercise, walk or bike from downtown Mitchell along the trail as it meanders through the Dry Run Creek nature area to reach the course.

About the Author

Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.

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